The Recipe · No.1390 · How to Make Pickled Red Onions
How to Make Pickled Red Onions, and where to source it
Slice them thin and it's done in half an hour; slice them thick and it takes a day for the middle to catch up. A mandoline is the difference. Pouring the brine on hot also sets that shocking pink colour almost immediately, which cold brine takes overnight to do.
The ratio1 red onion sliced thin + ¾ cup vinegar + ¼ cup water + 1 tbsp sugar + 1½ tsp salt.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cooknone
Makes1 pint
CuisineMexican
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1pint
Red onion
One large, sliced as thin as you can manage. Thin is the whole technique.
Slice thinMandoline on the thinnest setting that still feels safe, or a very sharp knife. Uniform thickness matters more than absolute thinness.
Pack tightInto a pint jar, pressed down. They'll shrink as soon as the brine hits.
Pour hot brineVinegar, water, sugar and salt warmed until dissolved, then poured over to cover. Press the onions under with a spoon.
Thirty minutes to pinkThey turn bright pink and lose their raw bite in half an hour. Better after two hours, good for three weeks.
Make it yoursA sliced habanero makes the Yucatán version properly. Beet adds a deeper red. Lime juice for a third of the vinegar takes them toward ceviche.
Can you make How to Make Pickled Red Onions in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze How to Make Pickled Red Onions? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make How to Make Pickled Red Onions ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is How to Make Pickled Red Onions gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is How to Make Pickled Red Onions vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
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